The death toll from the collapse of an under-construction building in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City has risen to 17, authorities said Tuesday, June 2.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Luzon, the 17th fatality was extricated from the rubble at 4:08 a.m.
Two bodies have been recovered from the site so far on Tuesday.
Since May 24, the BFP said a total of 27 individuals have been rescued from the incident.
Search, rescue, and retrieval operations remain ongoing as authorities continue to look for possible victims trapped beneath the debris.
The building collapsed on May 24. Authorities earlier estimated that at least 20 people, most of them construction workers, were inside the structure when it gave way. Among those confirmed dead were a father and son.
The Angeles City government said it continues to monitor affected families and residents to ensure their needs are addressed while operations are underway.
According to Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, initial findings indicate that structural modifications, including the addition of an extra floor and rooftop alterations, were carried out without the necessary permits or approved revisions from the Office of the Building Official.
